Retaliation against the guns and mortar firing on to the Battalion area continues and appears to be having results. The enemy gun areas have been partially located and there is plenty of excitement in store for them.
Last night a very successful patrol from No. 4 Company got through the wire and obstacles around the hangers in the South of CARPIQUET Aerodrome and located an enemy working party near the disposal sheds. They were able to withdraw unobserved and brought back valuable information.
The Battalion snipers have scored their first success, and bagged a German on the Aerodrome who appeared to be cleaning his machine-gun - at all events he was wasting his time
This afternoon the Battalion was visited by the G.O.C.
There has been a slight increase in enemy air activity and several planes have been over our positions today.
0300 hours
No. 1 Company Recce Patrol back from their listening post on the Centre of the Aerodrome report no signs of enemy movement, but bring back bearings on the flashes of gun position behind CARPIQUET.
0320 hours
No. 4 Company patrol led by Lieutenant WALL return from recce of enemy position by the hangers and dispersal sheds of 967672.
The position is surrounded by a 7’ wire mesh fence, followed by a dannert wire fence and trip wires.
The Patrol succeeded in getting through the wire, observing and returning without being noticed.
They also reported a sentry in the WOOD at close by at 962673. [sic]
1330 hours
Commanding Officer held an ‘O’ Group.
The following troops in and near the Battalion area are now in Support of the Battalion in the event of an enemy attack:-
Squadron FIFE AND FORFAR YEOMANRY, Battery of M.10 Anti-Tank guns.
At 1500 hours
Companies will carry out the following reliefs:-
No. 3 Company to change with No. 1 Company
No. 1 Company to change with No. 2 Company
No. 2 Company to change with No. 3 Company
Patrols: It has been decided that the post recce’d last night is too strong for a fighting patrol, but Lieutenant WALL is to lead a fighting patrol to capture the sentry in the wood below.
1730 hours
The Battalion 3” Mortars are to have a shoot on an enemy position located at the top of the hangers at 963686.
1615 hours
Battalion visited by G.O.C.
1800 hours
From various intelligence sources it appears that former reports of CARPIQET being evacuated are more likely to mean that the Battalion of 12 SS is pulling out and being relieved either by troops from a new Infantry Division or by troops from 1 SS Division.
If it is 1 SS Division then an attack on MARCELET is likely.
2100 hours
'O’ Group.
Commanding Officer gave out orders for a counter attack on MARCELET in the event of it being overrun.
Attack made by No. 1 Company left, No. 4 Company right, Start Line East end of WOOD 933687.
Inter Company boundary Road St MAUVIEU - MARCELET.
FORTH AND FIFES to support attack from 936679.
A large scale ‘Stonk’ to be brought down on the line TRACK JUNCTION 947686 - 955184 - 955675.
The Platoon in the hangers at 955683 withdraws. (This is a standing order in the case of any attack on MARCELET.)
BATTALION CASUALTIES.
WOUNDED.
2662340 Guardsman KNIGHTS, A., No. 2 Company, Bomb wound (Mortar) Right side.
2665002 Guardsman LONGLOY, E., Support Company, Splinter Right hand and Left arm.
2658019 Guardsman JUBY, G., No. 4 Company, G.S.W. Lower Left leg.
BATTLE ACCIDENTS.
2663784 Guardsman CORBETT, J., Support Company, G.S.W. (Sten), Right foot.
NORMAL SICKNESS.
2657282 Lance-Sergeant REARDON, S., No. 2 Company, Impetigo
2662964 Guardsman PATTERSON, J., No. 1 Company, Exhaustion
2663834 Guardsman BATSFORD, S., No. 1 Company, Exhaustion
